Government continues prosecution despite Congressional ban on interfering with implementation of state law Spokane, WA –(ENEWSPF)—February 24, 2015. Trial starts Wednesday in a widely watched federal medical marijuana case from eastern Washington State known as the Kettle Falls Five. The Obama Administration is aggressively pursuing marijuana trafficking charges against a[Read More…]
Science
President Obama Vetoes Keystone XL Bill
Washington, D.C.-(ENEWSPF)President Obama used only his third veto to halt a bill that would force construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Neither the House nor Senate have enough votes to override the president’s rejection of this controversial project. Friends of the Earth President Erich Pica issued the following statement: We[Read More…]
Million Hearts Recognizes 2014 Hypertension Control Champions
30 winners use evidence-based strategies to achieve high rates of blood pressure control for their patients Full list of Champions at millionhearts.hhs.gov. Atlanta, GA–(ENEWSPF)–February 24, 2015. Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Million Hearts initiative recognized 30 public and private health care practices and systems across the[Read More…]
As Congress Sends Keystone XL Bill to White House, Diverse Voices Unite in Opposition
Artists, elected officials, landowners, labor unions, progressive organizations, Tribal Nations, and climate activists send “Unity Letter” urging President Obama to veto & reject Keystone XL WASHINGTON –(ENEWSPF)—February 24, 2015. Just as Congressional Republicans send a misguided bill forcing approval of the Keystone XL pipeline to the White House, a diverse coalition of[Read More…]
Will White House Help Bees, as Declines Threaten to Sting Consumers’ Wallets, and States Respond?
Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 24, 2015. According to recent reports from local California news outlets, Honey Bees are in Short Supply In Central Valley, with the risk that consumers across the United States will be seeing higher prices on fruits, nuts, and vegetables this year as a consequence of declining honey bee[Read More…]
Lawsuit Filed to Protect People, Wildlife From Toxic Soot Pollution, Feb. 24, 2015
Toxic Soot Threatens Iowa, Puerto Rico and Washington WASHINGTON—(ENEWSPF)–February 24, 2015. The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Environmental Protection Agency today for failing to enforce air-quality standards that limit dangerous particulate pollution from coal-fired power plants, cars and other sources. Soot pollution causes serious health problems for people and[Read More…]
Study Finds Peanut Consumption in Infancy Prevents Peanut Allergy
NIH-funded trial compares consumption and avoidance of peanut Bethesda, Maryland–(ENEWSPF)–February 23, 2015. Introduction of peanut products into the diets of infants at high risk of developing peanut allergy was safe and led to an 81 percent reduction in the subsequent development of the allergy, a clinical trial has found. The[Read More…]
Molecule Hijacks Enzyme to Boost Alcohol Metabolism
Bethesda, Maryland–(ENEWSPF)–February 23, 2015. An experimental compound empowers an enzyme to help process acetaldehyde, a toxic metabolite of alcohol, according to new research supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The findings, now online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), might lead[Read More…]
Appeal Decision Blocks Shell Oil Train Project
Victory: County must first analyze environmental and public health risks of dangerous oil rail project Skagit River in Burlington, WA. Photo courtesy of Brent M. / Flickr Mount Vernon, WA —(ENEWSPF)–February 23, 2015. The Skagit County Hearing Examiner today halted Shell Oil Refinery’s planned crude-by-rail expansion until it undertakes a[Read More…]
Appeals Court Will Hear Case on Cover-up of Diablo Canyon Quake Risks
Friends of the Earth petition says NRC illegally let PG&E alter nuclear plant’s license WASHINGTON, D.C. –(ENEWSPF)—February 23, 2015. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will hear, over the objection of Pacific Gas and Electric and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a case brought by Friends[Read More…]
